The smash burger has gone from trend to Montreal staple. The idea is simple: a cold ball of ground beef hits a scorching griddle and gets pressed flat, so the edges turn into crispy, caramelized lace while the centre stays juicy. Add soft bun, melty cheese, pickles and sauce, and you have one of the most satisfying things you can eat. To map out the best smash burgers in Montreal, we used Tastet’s smash burger list, updated in June, and picked ten spots worth crossing town for.
A quick origin story
Legend has it the style was born in a small Kentucky diner, when a cook pressed a beef patty onto a hot flat-top with a heavy can of beans. True or not, the technique stuck: direct contact with the griddle creates deep, fast caramelization, which is why a great smash burger is less about thickness and more about balance and texture.
The best smash burgers in Montreal: 10 spots
1. Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood (La Petite-Patrie)
Hardly needs an introduction. Set in the former La Belle Tonki space at 1380 rue Jean-Talon Est, MangeDansMonHood keeps it short and precise: finely smashed patties, American cheddar, potato buns. Its Happy Ending Burger has even been ranked among the best burgers in the world by Time Out.
2. Patty Slaps (downtown)
Opened in May 2023 by five co-owners near Concordia at 1449 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Patty Slaps delivers fluffy buns, crunchy edges, melty cheese and generous toppings.
3. L’Hamburger (La Petite-Patrie)
One of Montreal’s best, and one of its earliest, smash burger spots, L’Hamburger at 933 rue Saint-Zotique Est keeps a simple menu of compact, juicy burgers, crispy fries, poutines and milkshakes.
4. ZEEZ (Plateau)
At 19 avenue du Mont-Royal Est, ZEEZ nails the thin patty and deeply caramelized edges. Tastet’s favourite is the Chili Crisp, with spicy honey. The burgers are halal, made with fresh beef delivered daily.
5. Bāgā (Plateau)
Everything at Bāgā, 511 avenue Duluth Est, is 100 per cent local. The menu is tight (three burgers and fries), the décor is far from a typical fast-food joint, and there’s a liquor licence for a glass of wine.
6. Le Jus (NDG)
A tiny counter at 5976 avenue Monkland in the former Buboy space, Le Jus does smash burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches. Don’t skip the cheesy fries. Best solo or to go: there are only a few seats.
7. Rosie’s Burgers (Mile End)
A tiny red-and-white counter at 210 rue Saint-Viateur Ouest with a tight diner formula: burgers, fries, milkshakes, and the caramelized crust you came for.
8. Chez Tousignant (Little Italy)
Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione (of Impasto and Gema) teamed up with chef Yann Turcotte on this Quebec-style casse-croûte at 6956 rue Drolet. It’s named after Turcotte’s mother, Huguette Tousignant, to make you feel like you’re eating at someone’s home.
9. Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine (Tétreaultville)
Simon Jodoin Bouchard’s canteen at 8517 rue Hochelaga takes inspiration from the fast-food classics of the American South: smash burgers and chili cheese fries are the order of the day.
10. Double’s Late Night (Mile End)
Danny Smiles’ bar at 5171 avenue du Parc has a classic bar menu, and the burger is the must-order. Come for a drink on a rainy night, a game on TV or a round of pool.
Two bonus picks
NDG Luncheonette, an American-style diner at 6800 avenue Fielding, serves a delicious smash burger at breakfast and lunch. And in the South West, Messorem’s brewery at 2233 rue Pitt serves smash burgers from a collaboration with Mitch Deli seven days a week, with beer brewed on site.
How to order like a pro
- Go double. Thin patties mean two is the standard for a reason.
- Keep it simple the first time: cheese, pickles, onions, house sauce.
- Eat it right away. Smash burgers are at their peak in the first five minutes.
- Check hours before you go; several of these are small counters with limited seating.
Craving more comfort food? Pair your burger with a side trip from our best poutine list, settle a pizza debate with our best pizza roundup, or plan game night with our bars to watch the Canadiens. More in our Food section. Bon appétit!
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Photo: Wiki.cullin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources: Tastet (best smash burgers), Tastet (MangeDansMonHood), Tastet (Patty Slaps), Tastet (L’Hamburger), Tastet (Bāgā), Tastet (Le Jus)
